Breaking News: DOJ Prepares Second Major Antitrust Suit Against Google
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is gearing up to file a second major antitrust lawsuit against tech giant Google, according to recent reporting by Bloomberg. This move comes as the Biden administration continues its efforts to hold Big Tech accountable for their alleged anti-competitive practices.
When Can We Expect the Lawsuit?
According to sources close to the matter, the DOJ could potentially sue Google "as soon as next month." The lawsuit is expected to be filed in federal court, with Washington or New York being the likely locations. This development comes as no surprise, given the Biden administration’s commitment to addressing antitrust issues in the tech industry.
Focus on Digital Ad Market
Unlike the first major Google antitrust case initiated during the Trump administration, this new lawsuit will focus specifically on the company’s dominance in the digital ad market. Bloomberg reports that DOJ antitrust lawyers have been conducting interviews with publishers for years, ultimately leading to the culmination of this lawsuit.
The First Google Antitrust Suit: A Brief Recap
In 2020, the DOJ sued Google over its alleged monopolies in online search services and advertising. The company pushed back against the suit, arguing that consumers use their product because it is superior, not due to a lack of alternatives. However, the Biden administration has continued to build on this framework, appointing Jonathan Kanter, a prominent Google critic, to lead the DOJ’s antitrust division.
Kanter’s Background and Views
In a 2016 op-ed for The New York Times, Kanter argued that Google employs an "anti-competitive playbook" to stifle competition. He claimed that the company uses this strategy to cut off the oxygen supply to its competitors. As the head of the DOJ’s antitrust division, Kanter is well-positioned to drive the Biden administration’s efforts to hold Big Tech accountable.
Policy Continuity: A Rare Sight
The fact that the Biden administration has inherited and built upon the framework established during the Trump era is a rare example of policy continuity between the two administrations. This development underscores the bipartisan effort to address antitrust issues in the tech industry.
Biden’s Commitment to Holding Big Tech Accountable
President Joe Biden has made it clear that his administration will prioritize addressing antitrust issues in the tech industry. By naming Kanter as the head of the DOJ’s antitrust division, the administration has signaled its commitment to holding companies like Google accountable for their anti-competitive practices.
The Path Forward: A Look at What’s Next
As the DOJ prepares to file this second major antitrust lawsuit against Google, it is essential to consider what this means for the tech industry as a whole. Will this development lead to increased competition and innovation, or will it stifle growth and drive companies underground? Only time will tell.
Related Developments: The DOJ’s Ongoing Efforts
- In 2020, the DOJ sued Google over its alleged monopolies in online search services and advertising.
- The Biden administration has continued to build on this framework, appointing Jonathan Kanter as the head of the DOJ’s antitrust division.
- The government is actively working to hold Big Tech accountable for their anti-competitive practices.
What’s Next?
As the DOJ prepares to file its second major antitrust lawsuit against Google, it will be essential to monitor developments closely. This move has significant implications for the tech industry as a whole and could potentially set a precedent for future antitrust suits.
Conclusion
The Department of Justice is preparing to file a second major antitrust lawsuit against Google, focusing on the company’s dominance in the digital ad market. This development comes as part of the Biden administration’s ongoing efforts to hold Big Tech accountable for their anti-competitive practices. As we move forward, it will be crucial to monitor developments closely and consider what this means for the tech industry as a whole.
Sources
- Bloomberg: "DOJ prepares second major antitrust suit against Google"
- The New York Times: "Google’s ‘Anti-Competitive Playbook’ Exposed"
Related Topics
- Antitrust law
- Big Tech regulation
- Competition policy
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About the Author
Taylor Hatmaker is a Culture Editor at TechCrunch, covering social media, gaming, and culture. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, Taylor brings a unique perspective to her writing.
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